Canada Immigration

[darko]

Hello,

I am a graduate (Bachelors) from US univ living with my gf in the US, who is doing her Masters.

I was wondering whether I could file joint immigration application with her. What is exactly "Common Law Partner" ?

I have been living with her for 2 years...How do they define it and do I prove it with a letter from landlord or what?

Another question...In immigration points calculator I see choices similar to

A three-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship AND at least 15 years of full-time study - 22 points

or

A two-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship AND at least 14 years of full-time study - 20 points


I am really not sure what those mean...
I finished Russian high school and got Bachelors in Computer Science in the US (which is 4 years). Which option describes my situation?

Thanks.

[Cosmopol]

What is exactly "Common Law Partner" ? [...] I have been living with her for 2 years...How do they define it and do I prove it with a letter from landlord or what?

Common law partner is someone you "appear to be married with" but are not. Sometimes it's called "a relationship akin to marriage". I think 2 years' worth of various papers showing you share a residence is enough for this purpose. Any correspondence that has both your names on it will work, even letters (envelopes) from friends or relatives, but the more official the better, e.g. credit card, phone or other utility bills, magazine subscriptions, etc. If both names are on the landlord's books, it's even better. What should also work is dated correspondence addressed separately to each of you, but at the same address, e.g, if you receive credit card bills in your own name at the same address, etc.

A two-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship AND at least 14 years of full-time study - 20 points

Strictly speaking, that's the part that applies in your case. The full text is as follows: "A university degree of two years or more at the Bachelor's level, and at least 14 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study; or a two-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship and at least 14 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study".

[darko]

At the points calculator I didn't see that "A university degree of two years or more at the Bachelor's level" though...I didn't see "more" part...I guess you're right anyways.

Very nice and helpful forum. Thanks.

[Cosmopol]

You may want to browse the official CIC site for more detailed info (see FAQ).

[darko]

thanks

[bella_uk]

20 points, checked by many applicants with full/partial education from Russia. This is by default, but if you want to obtain 22 points you have to submit some international professional certificate OR evaluate your education with one of recognized evaluation institution and get something more than "bachelor" from them. Sometimes it helps.

[darko]

20 points seems fine to me:)
I am not sure what you mean about getting more "bachelor". I got bachelors from US university. I think it's pretty standard 4 years education.

So if i submit certificate like MCSE for eg i can get 22 points huh?

[bella_uk]

together with Russian 5-5.5 years university degree - yes, because immigration officers understand Russian engineering qualification as "diploma of specialist" + professional certificate that may give 22 points. Also registration with CCPE as "master" may give 22-25 points with 15-16 years of education, but this is not your case. Anyway, if you have already MCSE or something like that, you better submit this certificate with your documents, but if you don't and 20 points is good enough for you, don't waste your money.

[darko]

I am not sure where you got idea that I have Russian degree....I just finished russian high school...I earned bachelors of computer science in the US...

[bella_uk]

This is your case
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/skilled/qual-5-1.html
"Example 2: if you have a three or four-year Bachelor’s degree, and at least 14 years of education, award yourself 20 points. "
I’ve never told that you have Russian degree, I just explained you the possible ways to get 22 points if you have additional prof. certificate and could find some way to evaluate your diploma as “diploma of specialist”. BTW, nobody is asking you to submit your school attestat, just fill in “6 years high school” and that’s it.